Averitt
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Averitt honored for veteran-hiring practices

Nov. 11, 2024
The Tennessee VFW recognized the logistics fleet for its focus on hiring veterans.

Due to Averitt’s focus on hiring veterans, the logistics fleet has been named Employer of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Previously, Averitt has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense for its support of National Guard and Reserve members and for accommodating military leave.

The company is based in Cookeville, Tennessee and has taken an active role in attracting veterans for 25 years. The employee headcount is around 8,500, with 14% having served in the military, according to Elise Leeson, vice president of human resources at Averitt.

While Leeson said Averitt is “truly honored” to receive the award, the pleasure is all theirs considering the benefits veterans have brought to the 53-year-old company.

“We have been incredibly impressed by the professionalism, dedication, discipline, and mission-driven mindset of most veteran candidates,” Leeson said. “Military personnel have an unparalleled understanding of the importance of teamwork. Veterans have been immersed in a culture that values discipline, loyalty, respect, pride, and accountability, making them an ideal fit for our organization. Veterans possess a deep understanding of their obligation to their employer, colleagues, and the public when it comes to prioritizing safety, accountability, dependability, and efficiency. The military's extensive training and exposure to advanced technology have equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in our industry.”

Jobs include drivers, leaders, diesel mechanics, and dock workers and are available on the carrier’s hiring page for veterans.

About the Author

John Hitch | Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance

John Hitch is the editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance management and technicians with the the latest information on the tools and strategies to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.

He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade.

Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner, and covers everything related to trucking and commercial vehicle equipment, including breaking news, the latest trends and best practices. He previously wrote about manufacturing and advanced technology for IndustryWeek and New Equipment Digest.

He is an award-winning journalist and former sonar technician, where he served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723).

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